Professionalism in undergraduate dental education: a pause for thought

Abstract

Professionalism in undergraduate dental education: a pause for thoughtThis should support appropriate solutions to the challenges associated with delivering graduates with 'proven' professional attributes. AbstractProfessionalism in dental education, as well as in the wider dental profession, is a regularly discussed and debated topic. It may seem obvious what is meant by 'professionalism' and in many situations it is clear what constitutes a professional approach or behaviour, but contention exists in how to articulate, measure and consider aspects of this complex and context dependent phenomenon. Getting 'it' right early on, with our students and new graduates, is a strategic priority, contributing to 'upstream' activities which have an intention of preventing future issues or harm. The aim of this article is to summarise the challenges faced by providers of undergraduate education (and the dental regulator) in the UK in defining and determining attainment of 'professionalism' before registration. It is timely to take an opportunity for pause, re-assess frameworks and consider future direction.

Undergraduate dental education: an education or training?

“…In addition to the challenges this brings, there are also other highly desirable, nay, essential attributes which assessment frameworks cannot adequately capture in terms of their richness, complexity and responsiveness to context. 3,4 There is no 'simple' solution to these challenges but they are worth acknowledging and discussing.…”

Comparison of Malaysia's Bachelor of Dental Technology curriculum with three other countries: Proposing a basic curriculum framework

“…This enables dental technology graduates to portray the appropriate attitude towards their profession at all times and deliver culturally appropriate oral health care to their communities. 17…”

Do you have a bright idea?

“…1 Just before Christmas, authors reflected on Professionalism in undergraduate dental education. 2 Earlier in December Drs Walshaw, Kandiah and Rodd examined A trilogy of tragedies -paediatric tooth whitening. 3 Opinion papers should be between 1,000 and 3,000 words long and can be submitted online (https://mts-bdj.nature.com/).…”